The luxery compact market is a very small "niche" market.
Lexus would have to come up with something very special to sell some big numbers.
I say stick with what they know.

 

^^ agreed

Lexus does not need to go down market.

As for a smaller SUV/XUV how about just making the RX available in a long wheelbase version instead of contiuously increasing the size?

 

To get a grip on europe they just might have to...

 

a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

 

What they need is more diesels to do that.

 

That will help...but what would really help speed things up...is something similar to the BMW 1-series, Audi A3 etc.

 

People who but the downmarket 1 series, A & B class, and the like need a kick upside the head for being desperate enough to buy one of these things to have the brand name. The only thing differentiating about the 1 is that it is rwd, and not many if any other cars in the segment offer that. But then I dont see many 1 series owners of to the track, meaning that 1) it isnt necessary or 2) Its for illegal road racing. I mean seriously, this has no purpose for Lexus. Toyota is their parent company and have that market covered.... this is where they have a tremendous advantage. They dont have to dilute their brand to have overall volume sales. Why do you think BMW is trying to expand on its mini products?

 

I agree...but the fact remains that this is what is missing from the european lexus lineup...

 

I agree with Richie in that more diesels would serve them better. Having compact cars won't improve their reputation in Europe, and that's what many claim is their problem.